EP2047307B1 - Optical fiber system - Google Patents
Optical fiber system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2047307B1 EP2047307B1 EP07785827A EP07785827A EP2047307B1 EP 2047307 B1 EP2047307 B1 EP 2047307B1 EP 07785827 A EP07785827 A EP 07785827A EP 07785827 A EP07785827 A EP 07785827A EP 2047307 B1 EP2047307 B1 EP 2047307B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- optical fibre
- light guide
- optical fiber
- light
- lls
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Active
Links
- 239000013307 optical fiber Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 59
- 238000010521 absorption reaction Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 27
- 230000003595 spectral effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 9
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 24
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 claims description 7
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 claims description 7
- 229920000515 polycarbonate Polymers 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000004417 polycarbonate Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 description 16
- 230000005855 radiation Effects 0.000 description 16
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 12
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 7
- 230000006399 behavior Effects 0.000 description 5
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 description 5
- 239000013308 plastic optical fiber Substances 0.000 description 4
- 125000006850 spacer group Chemical group 0.000 description 4
- 239000000654 additive Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000011161 development Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000018109 developmental process Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000004907 flux Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000003365 glass fiber Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000001746 injection moulding Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000009467 reduction Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000004383 yellowing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000004425 Makrolon Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000052 comparative effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001627 detrimental effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000017525 heat dissipation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005286 illumination Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000002329 infrared spectrum Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003993 interaction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 150000002739 metals Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 230000003647 oxidation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007254 oxidation reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007704 transition Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000011144 upstream manufacturing Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/0001—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems
- G02B6/0005—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems the light guides being of the fibre type
- G02B6/0006—Coupling light into the fibre
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/0001—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems
- G02B6/0011—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems the light guides being planar or of plate-like form
- G02B6/0013—Means for improving the coupling-in of light from the light source into the light guide
- G02B6/0023—Means for improving the coupling-in of light from the light source into the light guide provided by one optical element, or plurality thereof, placed between the light guide and the light source, or around the light source
- G02B6/0028—Light guide, e.g. taper
Definitions
- the invention relates to a light guide system comprising two light guides.
- a lighting device for motor vehicles comprising a rod-shaped light guide for totally reflecting line of light which can be coupled by at least one light source via at least one end face of the light guide designed as a coupling surface.
- the illumination device has at least one decoupling surface arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis for the at least partial decoupling of light from the optical waveguide and an interaction surface arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the optical waveguide, with which parts of the light in the waveguide can interact with the total reflection conditions for the purpose of decoupling.
- optical fibers made of plastic are increasingly being used.
- a high visual transmission with simultaneously low thermal absorption within an optical waveguide material is enormously important for the optical performance and a continuous loadability of the optical waveguide material without thermal oxidation (yellowing).
- plastics with satisfactory optical transmission and at the same time high thermal load capacity are not available for all purposes, in particular not for use in motor vehicle headlights.
- a light guide intermediate piece of more temperature-resistant material between the light source and temperature-sensitive light guide can be arranged, whereby the distance between the hot light source and temperature-sensitive light guide is increased. Thereby, the ambient temperature of the temperature-sensitive optical fiber material can be reduced.
- This measure is not sufficient in practice, since the self-heating of the sensitive light guide material is too large due to its absorption lines in the infrared spectral range.
- the optical fiber can be preceded by an infrared (IR) filter, which reduces the IR component of the radiation.
- IR infrared
- reflection filters can not sufficiently reduce the spectral absorption components without at the same time severely restricting visual transmission in the visible range.
- absorption filters may be used which have the disadvantage of reducing the IR radiation over a short distance and thereby producing high temperatures which also strongly heat the adjacent optical fiber.
- WO 2006/003595 A discloses a light guide system consisting of a glass fiber and an optically downstream plastic optical fiber.
- the light guide system guides light originating from a light source including IR components.
- a broadband (800 to 2500 nm) absorption filter which may either be upstream of the optical fiber system or may be part of the glass fiber.
- This broadband (800 to 2500 nm) absorption filter rather IR energy is absorbed as actually needed. It absorbs IR energy in wavelength ranges that would not be detrimental to the downstream plastic optical fiber, as it would not absorb at all in these wavelength ranges due to this IR energy.
- the invention is based on the object of specifying a light guide system which has a high radiation transmission in the visible wavelength range, and which also functions stably when conducting high radiation powers over long periods.
- the invention is therefore also based on the idea to perform a filter as a light guide intermediate piece (first light guide), which is temperature-compatible than the actual light guide (second light guide), and also to perform the optical fiber spacer such that it at least a common absorption line in the infrared spectral region with the actual Has light guide, or a common absorption area with the actual light guide or a similar absorption behavior as the actual light guide.
- first light guide which is temperature-compatible than the actual light guide
- second light guide second light guide
- An optical fiber system having a first optical fiber and a second optical fiber according to claim 1 is provided.
- the temperature-sensitive light guide is arranged away from the light source and is thus not directly heated by the light source; and secondly, that the more temperature-tolerant optical fiber spacer in the frequency range of the common absorption line (s) absorbs at least a large part of the radiation energy, thereby preventing the actual optical fiber from being heated by this part of the radiation energy and possibly damaged, in particular yellowed.
- the absorption of the radiation energy and / or the reduction of the absorbed radiation energy preferably takes place over the entire length of the optical fiber spacer, which is preferably at least 5 millimeters, at least 10 millimeters, at least 15 millimeters or at least 20 millimeters long, so that local temperature peaks in Filter acting Lichtleiter pattern published reduced or avoided.
- the first and second optical fibers are made of plastic or consist of it.
- the light guides in particular rod-shaped or tubular, are elongate, designed along the light propagation direction.
- light guide systems are within the scope of the invention, which include in addition to the first and second light guide further light guide.
- the term “temperature-compatible” encompasses one or more of the terms “thermally stable”, “temperature-resistant”, “temperature-stable” or “less susceptible to yellowing” and means in the context of the invention in relation to a light guide in particular that the light guide or the Material of the light guide at high temperatures and / or high radiation power, especially over long periods, less changed, in particular with regard to its radiation transmission in the visible wavelength range less deteriorated than a comparative optical fiber or a comparison material.
- the first light guide and the second light guide not only at least have a common or identical absorption line in the infrared spectral region, but at least two identical absorption lines, at least three identical absorption lines, at least five identical absorption lines, at least seven identical absorption lines or at least ten have identical absorption lines.
- the first and the second optical waveguide have a similar, substantially identical or identical absorption behavior, in particular in the infrared spectral range.
- the first optical waveguide is embodied in such a way or adapted to the second optical waveguide with regard to the absorption behavior in the infrared spectral range that at least 50%, at least 70% or at least 90% of the radiant power absorbed by both optical waveguides in the infrared spectral range is absorbed by the first optical waveguide.
- Similar absorption behaviors of the first light guide and the second light guide can be achieved by being based on the same material or comprising the same material, such as polycarbonate.
- the first and the second optical waveguides are designed such that the second optical waveguide conducts, transmits, or transmits visible light better than the first optical waveguide.
- the material of the second light guide may be admixed with suitable additives which increase the light conductivity of the second light guide.
- a higher temperature compatibility of the first light guide can be achieved by admixing with the material of the first light guide, for example polycarbonate, suitable additives such as metals, increasing the length of the molecular chains, or comprising the material of the first light guide polymethacrylmethylimide (PMMI) , These additives can optionally reduce the light conductivity of the first light guide.
- suitable additives such as metals, increasing the length of the molecular chains, or comprising the material of the first light guide polymethacrylmethylimide (PMMI) , These additives can optionally reduce the light conductivity of the first light guide.
- the two light guides are formed together as a single part or in one piece, in particular in two-component injection molding technology, whereby additional space and assembly advantages and potential for partial reduction are created.
- a motor vehicle headlight with one of the explained light guide systems which is designed such that light generated by a light source by means of the first and / or second light guide are guided to a light ring, which is at least partially formed by the second light guide.
- FIG. 1 shows a light guide system LLS comprising a first light guide LL1, which is fed by a light source LQ, and a downstream in the light propagation direction of the first light guide LL1 second light guide LL2.
- Both light guides LL1, LL2 are preferably components of a plastic element produced by a two-component injection molding process.
- the first light guide LL1 is an optical fiber spacer, which acts as an absorption filter and ensures the necessary distance between the light source LQ and the second light guide LL2.
- the material of the optical waveguide intermediate piece is selected or optimized with regard to high temperature stability, since the IR absorption leads to its heating.
- such more temperature-stable materials for example PMMI
- materials optimized purely for visual transmission emission for example, Makrolon.
- the second highly transmissive light guide LL2 can connect directly after a few centimeters in the light propagation direction to the first light guide LL1. In this way, fiber optic systems with lengths of more than 15 cm can be generated very efficiently with high transmission values, without thermally overloading the material.
- the material combination of the two light guides are materials which have a similar absorption behavior. It is thereby achieved that essentially only the, but also just the, also the second light guide LL2 potentially heating absorption lines are filtered out of the IR spectrum by the first light guide LL1 and thus the energy conversion in the first light guide LL1 is minimized in heat. This allows a further increase in the maximum transportable luminous flux in the entire optical fiber system LLS.
- the entire light guide system is characterized by a high radiation load capacity with good overall optical transmission.
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Optics & Photonics (AREA)
- Non-Portable Lighting Devices Or Systems Thereof (AREA)
- Optical Couplings Of Light Guides (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Die Erfindung betrifft ein zwei Lichtleiter umfassendes Lichtleitersystem.The invention relates to a light guide system comprising two light guides.
Die rasante technologische Entwicklung auf dem Gebiet der Kraftfahrzeugbeleuchtungstechnik führt in letzter Zeit immer häufiger zum Einsatz von Lichtleitern. So ist beispielsweise aus der
Insbesondere aus Kostengründen werden zunehmend Lichtleiter aus Kunststoff eingesetzt. Eine hohe visuelle Transmission bei gleichzeitig geringer thermischer Absorption innerhalb eines Lichtleitermaterials ist dabei enorm wichtig für die optische Performance und eine Dauerbelastbarkeit des Lichtleitermaterials ohne Thermooxidation (Vergilbung). Kunststoffe mit zufrieden stellender optischer Transmission und gleichzeitig hoher thermischer Belastbarkeit sind aber nicht für alle Zwecke verfügbar, insbesondere nicht für den Einsatz in Kraftfahrzeugscheinwerfem.In particular, for cost reasons, optical fibers made of plastic are increasingly being used. A high visual transmission with simultaneously low thermal absorption within an optical waveguide material is enormously important for the optical performance and a continuous loadability of the optical waveguide material without thermal oxidation (yellowing). However, plastics with satisfactory optical transmission and at the same time high thermal load capacity are not available for all purposes, in particular not for use in motor vehicle headlights.
Zur Temperatursenkung am Lichtleiter kann ein Lichtleiterzwischenstück aus temperaturbeständigerem Material zwischen Lichtquelle und temperaturempfindlichem Lichtleiter angeordnet, wodurch der Abstand zwischen heißer Lichtquelle und temperaturempfindlichem Lichtleiter vergrößert wird. Dadurch kann die Umgebungstemperatur des temperaturempfindlichen Lichtleitermaterials reduziert werden. Der Nachteil dabei ist, dass diese Maßnahme in der Praxis nicht ausreicht, da die Eigenerwärmung des empfindlichen Lichtleitermaterials aufgrund seiner Absorptionslinien im infraroten Spektralbereich zu groß ist.To reduce the temperature at the light guide, a light guide intermediate piece of more temperature-resistant material between the light source and temperature-sensitive light guide can be arranged, whereby the distance between the hot light source and temperature-sensitive light guide is increased. Thereby, the ambient temperature of the temperature-sensitive optical fiber material can be reduced. The disadvantage here is that this measure is not sufficient in practice, since the self-heating of the sensitive light guide material is too large due to its absorption lines in the infrared spectral range.
Um die Eigenerwärmung zu reduzieren, kann dem Lichtleiter ein Infrarot(IR)-Filter vorangesetzt werden, das den IR-Anteil der Strahlung reduziert. Reflexionsfilter können allerdings bei hohen Strahlleistungen die spektralen Absorptionsanteile nicht genügend stark reduzieren, ohne gleichzeitig die visuelle Transmission im sichtbaren Bereich stark einzuschränken. Alternativ dazu können Absorptionsfilter verwendet werden, welche den Nachteil mit sich bringen, dass sie die IR-Strahlung über eine nur kurze Wegstrecke abbauen und dadurch hohe Temperaturen erzeugen, die den benachbarten Lichtleiter ebenfalls stark erhitzen.In order to reduce self-heating, the optical fiber can be preceded by an infrared (IR) filter, which reduces the IR component of the radiation. However, at high beam powers, reflection filters can not sufficiently reduce the spectral absorption components without at the same time severely restricting visual transmission in the visible range. Alternatively, absorption filters may be used which have the disadvantage of reducing the IR radiation over a short distance and thereby producing high temperatures which also strongly heat the adjacent optical fiber.
Der Erfindung liegt nun die Aufgabe zu Grunde, ein Lichtleitersystem anzugeben, das über eine hohe Strahlungs-Durchlässigkeit im sichtbaren Wellenlängenbereich verfügt, und das auch beim Leiten hoher Strahlungsleistungen über längere Zeiten stabil funktioniert.The invention is based on the object of specifying a light guide system which has a high radiation transmission in the visible wavelength range, and which also functions stably when conducting high radiation powers over long periods.
Diese Aufgabe wird durch die Merkmale des Hauptanspruchs gelöst. Vorteilhafte Weiterbildungen der Erfindung sind den abhängigen Ansprüchen zu entnehmen.This object is solved by the features of the main claim. Advantageous developments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims.
Die Erfindung basiert demnach auch auf dem Gedanken, einen Filter als Lichtleiterzwischenstück (erster Lichtleiter) auszuführen, das temperaturverträglicher ist als der eigentliche Lichtleiter (zweiter Lichtleiter), und zudem das Lichtleiterzwischenstück derart auszuführen, dass es im infraroten Spektralbereich zumindest eine gemeinsame Absorptionslinie mit dem eigentlichen Lichtleiter, oder einen gemeinsamen Absorptionsbereich mit dem eigentlichen Lichtleiter oder ein ähnliches Absorptionsverhalten wie der eigentliche Lichtleiter aufweist.The invention is therefore also based on the idea to perform a filter as a light guide intermediate piece (first light guide), which is temperature-compatible than the actual light guide (second light guide), and also to perform the optical fiber spacer such that it at least a common absorption line in the infrared spectral region with the actual Has light guide, or a common absorption area with the actual light guide or a similar absorption behavior as the actual light guide.
Es ist ein Lichtleitersystem mit einem ersten Lichtleiter und einem zweiten Lichtleiter nach Anspruch 1 vorgesehen.An optical fiber system having a first optical fiber and a second optical fiber according to claim 1 is provided.
Dadurch wird erreicht, dass erstens der temperaturempfindlichere Lichtleiter entfernt von der Lichtquelle angeordnet ist und dadurch nicht unmittelbar durch die Lichtquelle erhitzt wird; und dass zweitens das temperaturverträglichere Lichtleiterzwischenstück im Frequenzbereich der gemeinsamen Absorptionslinie(n) zumindest einen großen Teil der Strahlungsenergie absorbiert, wodurch verhindert wird, dass der eigentliche Lichtleiter durch diesen Teil der Strahlungsenergie erwärmt und gegebenenfalls beschädigt, insbesondere vergilbt, wird. Die Absorption der Strahlungsenergie und/oder der Abbau der absorbierten Strahlungsenergie findet dabei vorzugsweise über die gesamte Länge des Lichtleiterzwischenstücks, das vorzugsweise mindestens 5 Millimeter, mindestens 10 Millimeter, mindestens 15 Millimeter oder mindestens 20 Millimeter lang ist, statt, so dass lokale Temperaturspitzen im als Filter wirkenden Lichtleiterzwischenstück reduziert oder vermieden werden.It is thereby achieved that, firstly, the temperature-sensitive light guide is arranged away from the light source and is thus not directly heated by the light source; and secondly, that the more temperature-tolerant optical fiber spacer in the frequency range of the common absorption line (s) absorbs at least a large part of the radiation energy, thereby preventing the actual optical fiber from being heated by this part of the radiation energy and possibly damaged, in particular yellowed. The absorption of the radiation energy and / or the reduction of the absorbed radiation energy preferably takes place over the entire length of the optical fiber spacer, which is preferably at least 5 millimeters, at least 10 millimeters, at least 15 millimeters or at least 20 millimeters long, so that local temperature peaks in Filter acting Lichtleiterzwischenstück reduced or avoided.
Insgesamt wird dadurch ein Lichtleitersystem geschaffen, das über eine hohe Strahlungs-Durchlässigkeit im sichtbaren Wellenlängenbereich verfügt und auch bei der Leitung hoher Strahlungsleistungen über längere Zeiten stabil funktioniert.Overall, this creates a light guide system that has a high radiation transmission in the visible wavelength range and also works stably in the conduction of high radiation power over long periods.
Der erste und der zweite Lichtleiter sind aus Kunststoff hergestellt oder bestehen daraus. Besonders bevorzugt sind die Lichtleiter, insbesondere stab- oder schlauchförmig, länglich, entlang der Lichtausbreitungsrichtung ausgeführt. Selbstverständlich liegen auch Lichtleitersysteme im Rahmen der Erfindung, die neben dem ersten und zweiten Lichtleiter weitere Lichtleiter umfassen.The first and second optical fibers are made of plastic or consist of it. Particularly preferably, the light guides, in particular rod-shaped or tubular, are elongate, designed along the light propagation direction. Of course, also light guide systems are within the scope of the invention, which include in addition to the first and second light guide further light guide.
Der Begriff "temperaturverträglicher" umfasst im Rahmen der Anmeldung einen oder mehrere der Begriffe "thermisch stabiler", "temperaturbeständiger", "temperaturstabiler" oder "weniger vergilbungsanfällig" und bedeutet im Rahmen der Erfindung bezogen auf einen Lichtleiter insbesondere, dass sich der Lichtleiter oder das Material des Lichtleiters bei hohen Temperaturen und/oder hohen Strahlungsleistungen, insbesondere über längere Zeiträume, weniger verändert, insbesondere hinsichtlich seiner Strahlungs-Durchlässigkeit im sichtbaren Wellenlängenbereich weniger verschlechtert als ein Vergleichs-Lichtleiter oder ein Vergleichs-Material.In the context of the application, the term "temperature-compatible" encompasses one or more of the terms "thermally stable", "temperature-resistant", "temperature-stable" or "less susceptible to yellowing" and means in the context of the invention in relation to a light guide in particular that the light guide or the Material of the light guide at high temperatures and / or high radiation power, especially over long periods, less changed, in particular with regard to its radiation transmission in the visible wavelength range less deteriorated than a comparative optical fiber or a comparison material.
Besonders bevorzugt ist vorgesehen, dass der erste Lichtleiter und der zweite Lichtleiter insbesondere im infraroten Spektralbereich nicht nur mindestens eine gemeinsame oder identische Absorptionslinie aufweisen, sondern mindestens zwei identische Absorptionslinien, mindestens drei identische Absorptionslinien, mindestens fünf identische Absorptionslinien, mindestens sieben identische Absorptionslinien oder mindestens zehn identische Absorptionslinien aufweisen.Particularly preferably it is provided that the first light guide and the second light guide not only at least have a common or identical absorption line in the infrared spectral region, but at least two identical absorption lines, at least three identical absorption lines, at least five identical absorption lines, at least seven identical absorption lines or at least ten have identical absorption lines.
Alternativ oder ergänzend dazu ist vorgesehen, dass der erste und der zweite Lichtleiter ein ähnliches, ein im Wesentlichen identisches oder ein identisches Absorptionsverhalten, insbesondere im infraroten Spektralbereich, aufweisen. Vorteilhafterweise ist der erste Lichtleiter derart ausgeführt oder derart hinsichtlich des Absorptionsverhaltens im infraroten Spektralbereich, an den zweiten Lichtleiter angepasst, dass mindestens 50%, mindestens 70% oder mindestens 90% der durch beide Lichtleiter absorbierten Strahlungsleistung im infraroten Spektralbereich durch den ersten Lichtleiter absorbiert werden.Alternatively or additionally, it is provided that the first and the second optical waveguide have a similar, substantially identical or identical absorption behavior, in particular in the infrared spectral range. Advantageously, the first optical waveguide is embodied in such a way or adapted to the second optical waveguide with regard to the absorption behavior in the infrared spectral range that at least 50%, at least 70% or at least 90% of the radiant power absorbed by both optical waveguides in the infrared spectral range is absorbed by the first optical waveguide.
Ähnliche Absorptionsverhalten des ersten Lichtleiters und des zweiten Lichtleiters lassen sich dadurch erzielen, dass sie auf dem gleichen Material basieren oder das gleiche Material, wie beispielsweise Polycarbonat, umfassen.Similar absorption behaviors of the first light guide and the second light guide can be achieved by being based on the same material or comprising the same material, such as polycarbonate.
Vorzugsweise sind der erste und der zweite Lichtleiter derart ausgeführt, dass der zweite Lichtleiter sichtbares Licht besser leitet, durchlässt oder transmittiert als der erste Lichtleiter.Preferably, the first and the second optical waveguides are designed such that the second optical waveguide conducts, transmits, or transmits visible light better than the first optical waveguide.
Dazu können dem Material des zweiten Lichtleiters geeignete Additive beigemischt sein, welche die Lichtleitfähigkeit des zweiten Lichtleiters erhöhen.For this purpose, the material of the second light guide may be admixed with suitable additives which increase the light conductivity of the second light guide.
Dadurch wird erreicht, dass der eigentlich als Lichtleiter wirkende zweite Lichtleiter, der zudem nicht hinsichtlich Temperaturverträglichkeit optimiert sein muss, die Transmissionsfähigkeit des gesamten Lichtleitersystems erhöht. Dies ist besonders dann vorteilhaft, wenn der erste Lichtleiter in Lichtausbreitungsrichtung kürzer ist als der zweite Lichtleiter.This ensures that the actually acting as a light guide second optical fiber, which also need not be optimized in terms of temperature compatibility, increases the transmissivity of the entire optical fiber system. This is particularly advantageous when the first light guide is shorter in the light propagation direction than the second light guide.
Eine höhere Temperaturverträglichkeit des ersten Lichtleiters kann dadurch erreicht werden, dass dem Material des ersten Lichtleiters, beispielsweise Polycarbonat, geeignete Additive, wie beispielsweise Metalle beigemischt sind, dass die Länge der Molekülketten vergrößert wird, oder dass das Material des ersten Lichtleiters Polymethacrylmethylimid (PMMI) umfasst. Genannte Additive können dabei gegebenenfalls die Lichtleitfähigkeit des ersten Lichtleiters reduzieren.A higher temperature compatibility of the first light guide can be achieved by admixing with the material of the first light guide, for example polycarbonate, suitable additives such as metals, increasing the length of the molecular chains, or comprising the material of the first light guide polymethacrylmethylimide (PMMI) , These additives can optionally reduce the light conductivity of the first light guide.
Um Reflexionsverluste am Übergang der beiden Lichtleite zu reduzieren, ist vorzugsweise vorgesehen, dass die beiden Lichtleiter zusammen als Einzelteil oder einstückig, insbesondere in Zwei-Komponenten-Spritzgußtechnik, gebildet sind, wodurch zusätzlich Bauraum - und Montagevorteile und Potential zur Teilereduktion geschaffen werden.In order to reduce reflection losses at the transition of the two light guides, it is preferably provided that the two light guides are formed together as a single part or in one piece, in particular in two-component injection molding technology, whereby additional space and assembly advantages and potential for partial reduction are created.
Insbesondere auf dem Gebiet der Kraftfahrzeugscheinwerfer, insbesondere mit Leuchtringen, liegen hohe Umgebungstemperaturen und/oder große Lichtströme vor, die durch bekannte wirtschaftliche Kunststofflichtleiter nicht mit ausreichender Qualität geleitet werden können. Daher liegt im Rahmen der Erfindung insbesondere ein Kraftfahrzeugscheinwerfer mit einem der erläuterten Lichtleitersysteme, das derart ausgeführt ist, dass von einer Lichtquelle erzeugtes Licht mittels des ersten und/oder zweiten Lichtleiters zu einem Leuchtring geführt werden, der zumindest teilweise durch den zweiten Lichtleiter gebildet ist.Particularly in the field of motor vehicle headlights, in particular with light rings, there are high ambient temperatures and / or large luminous fluxes which can not be conducted with sufficient quality by known economical plastic optical fibers. Therefore, within the scope of the invention, in particular a motor vehicle headlight with one of the explained light guide systems, which is designed such that light generated by a light source by means of the first and / or second light guide are guided to a light ring, which is at least partially formed by the second light guide.
Im Folgenden wird die Erfindung anhand von Beispielen unter Bezugnahme auf die folgende Figur näher erläutert:
- Figur 1
- zeigt eine vereinfachte Prinzipdarstellung eines Lichtleitersystems.
- FIG. 1
- shows a simplified schematic diagram of a fiber optic system.
Der erste Lichtleiter LL1 ist ein Lichtleiterzwischenstück, das als Absorptionsfilter wirkt und den nötigen Abstand zwischen Lichtquelle LQ und zweitem Lichtleiter LL2 gewährleistet. Dabei ist das Material des Lichtleiterzwischenstücks hinsichtlich hoher Temperaturstabilität ausgewählt oder optimiert, da die IR-Absorption zu dessen Erhitzung führt. In der Regel weisen solche temperaturstabileren Materialien (beispielsweise PMMI) geringere visuelle Transmissionswerte auf, als rein auf visuelle Transmsission optimierte Materialien (beispielsweise Makrolon). Da die IR-Strahlung in solchen Kunststoffen bereits nach wenigen Zentimetern Materialdicke im Wesentlichen abgebaut ist, und dessen Temperatur reduziert ist, kann sich der zweite hochtransmissive Lichtleiter LL2 schon nach wenigen Zentimetern in Lichtausbreitungsrichtung unmittelbar an den ersten Lichtleiter LL1 anschließen. Auf diese Weise lassen sich Lichtleitersysteme mit Längen von mehr als 15cm sehr effizient mit hohen Transmissionswerten erzeugen, ohne das Material thermisch zu überlasten.The first light guide LL1 is an optical fiber spacer, which acts as an absorption filter and ensures the necessary distance between the light source LQ and the second light guide LL2. In this case, the material of the optical waveguide intermediate piece is selected or optimized with regard to high temperature stability, since the IR absorption leads to its heating. As a rule, such more temperature-stable materials (for example PMMI) have lower visual transmission values than materials optimized purely for visual transmission emission (for example, Makrolon). Since the IR radiation in such plastics is already degraded after a few centimeters of material thickness substantially, and its temperature is reduced, the second highly transmissive light guide LL2 can connect directly after a few centimeters in the light propagation direction to the first light guide LL1. In this way, fiber optic systems with lengths of more than 15 cm can be generated very efficiently with high transmission values, without thermally overloading the material.
Vorzugsweise handelt es sich bei der Materialkombination der beiden Lichtleiter um Materialien, die ein ähnliches Absorptionsverhalten besitzen. Dadurch wird erreicht, dass durch den ersten Lichtleiter LL1 im Wesentlichen nur die, aber auch gerade die, auch den zweiten Lichtleiter LL2 potentiell erwärmenden Absorptionslinien aus dem IR-Spektrum herausgefiltert werden und so die Energieumwandlung im ersten Lichtleiter LL1 in Wärme minimiert wird. Dies erlaubt eine weitere Steigerung des maximal transportierbaren Lichtstroms im gesamten Lichtleitersystem LLS.Preferably, the material combination of the two light guides are materials which have a similar absorption behavior. It is thereby achieved that essentially only the, but also just the, also the second light guide LL2 potentially heating absorption lines are filtered out of the IR spectrum by the first light guide LL1 and thus the energy conversion in the first light guide LL1 is minimized in heat. This allows a further increase in the maximum transportable luminous flux in the entire optical fiber system LLS.
Im Folgenden werden noch einmal Vorteile der Erfindung oder ihrer Weiterbildungen zusammengefasst:
- Aufgrund der gleichen Absorptionslinien in beiden Lichtleitern LL1,LL2 wird von der wärmeerzeugenden IR-Strahlung nur so wenig, wie unbedingt notwendig, im ersten Lichtleiter absorbiert. Dies führt zu einer möglichst geringen Erwärmung des ersten Lichtleiters. Gleichzeitig wird aber im ersten Lichtleiter genau die IR-Strahlung absorbiert, die den zweiten Lichtleiter erwärmen würde. Dies führt zu einer möglichst geringen Erwärmung des zweiten Lichtleiters.
- Aufgrund der in Lichtausbreitungsrichtung länglichen Ausdehnung des ersten Lichtleiters kann diese erzeugte Wärme über beispielsweise 10mm Länge verteilt abtransportiert oder abgebaut werden, was einerseits den Abstand des Ortes maximaler Temperatur im ersten Lichtleiter LL1 zum temperaturempfindlichen zweiten Lichtleiter LL2 erhöht und andererseits die lokale Belastung im ersten Lichtleiter LL1 aufgrund des räumlich ausgedehnten Wärmeabbaus reduziert.
- Aufgrund der Zweiteilung des Lichtleitersystems kann der erste, kürzere Lichtleiter LL1 hinsichtlich höherer Temperaturverträglichkeit ausgewählt werden, während das zweite, längere Lichtleitermaterial hinsichtlich maximaler visueller Transmission ausgewählt werden kann.
- Due to the same absorption lines in both light guides LL1, LL2, only as little as absolutely necessary is absorbed by the heat-generating IR radiation in the first light guide. This leads to the lowest possible heating of the first light guide. At the same time, however, precisely the IR radiation which would heat up the second light guide is absorbed in the first light guide. This leads to the lowest possible heating of the second light guide.
- Due to the elongate extent of the first light guide in the light propagation direction, this generated heat can be transported away or degraded over, for example, 10 mm length, which on the one hand increases the distance of the maximum temperature location in the first light guide LL1 to the second temperature sensitive light guide LL2 and, on the other hand, local loading in the first light guide LL1 reduced due to the spatially extended heat dissipation.
- Due to the division of the light guide system, the first, shorter light guide LL1 can be selected with regard to higher temperature compatibility, while the second, longer light guide material can be selected with regard to maximum visual transmission.
Das gesamte Lichtleitersystem zeichnet sich durch eine hohe Strahlungsbelastbarkeit bei guter optischer Gesamttransmission aus.The entire light guide system is characterized by a high radiation load capacity with good overall optical transmission.
Claims (7)
- An optical fibre system (LLS)- with a first optical fibre (LL1) and a second optical fibre (LL2),- wherein the second optical fibre (LL2) is connected downstream of the first optical fibre (LL1) in the light propagation direction,- wherein the first optical fibre (LL1) is more temperature-tolerant than the second optical fibre (LL2),- wherein the first optical fibre (LL1) and the second optical fibre (LL2) have at least one mutual absorption line in the infrared spectral range, and- wherein the second optical fibre comprises plastics material, andcharacterised in that the first optical fibre comprises plastics material.
- An optical fibre system (LLS) according to claim 1, wherein the second optical fibre (LL2) conducts visible light better than the first optical fibre (LL1).
- An optical fibre system (LLS) according to either of the preceding claims, wherein the first optical fibre (LL1) is shorter in the light propagation direction than the second optical fibre (LL2).
- An optical fibre system (LLS) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first optical fibre (LL1) comprises polymethacrylmethylimide and/or polycarbonate.
- An optical fibre system (LLS) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second optical fibre (LL2) comprises polycarbonate.
- An optical fibre system (LLS) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first optical fibre (LL1) is based on the same material as the second optical fibre, wherein the first optical fibre (LL1) also comprises a material which increases the temperature tolerance of the first optical fibre (LL1) and/or reduces the light conductivity of the first optical fibre (LL1).
- A vehicle headlight with an optical fibre system (LLS) according to any one of the preceding claims, which is configured in such a way that light produced by a light source (LQ) is guided by means of the first and/or the second optical fibre (LL1, LL2) to a light ring, which is formed by the second optical fibre (LL2).
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| DE200610034972 DE102006034972A1 (en) | 2006-07-28 | 2006-07-28 | Optical fiber system |
| PCT/EP2007/005324 WO2008011938A1 (en) | 2006-07-28 | 2007-06-16 | Optical fiber system |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| EP2047307A1 EP2047307A1 (en) | 2009-04-15 |
| EP2047307B1 true EP2047307B1 (en) | 2011-11-30 |
Family
ID=38520865
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| EP07785827A Active EP2047307B1 (en) | 2006-07-28 | 2007-06-16 | Optical fiber system |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP2047307B1 (en) |
| DE (1) | DE102006034972A1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2008011938A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE102009037625A1 (en) | 2009-08-14 | 2011-02-17 | Automotive Lighting Reutlingen Gmbh | Lighting device for a motor vehicle |
| DE102011055430B4 (en) | 2011-11-17 | 2024-06-06 | HELLA GmbH & Co. KGaA | Light module for the generation and transmission of light |
| DE102011055988A1 (en) | 2011-12-02 | 2013-06-06 | Hella Kgaa Hueck & Co. | Light control system for illumination device for outside light of motor car, has optic element arranged in optical path in order to protect linking surface before material damage and comprising absorption spectrum in UV region |
| DE102012007366A1 (en) | 2012-04-12 | 2012-11-22 | Daimler Ag | Light arrangement for vehicle light, has light guide element and light sources, where translucent casing is arranged between light source and light guide element, where light is injected into light guide element |
| DE102014103737A1 (en) | 2014-03-19 | 2015-09-24 | Hella Kgaa Hueck & Co. | Lighting device for vehicles |
Citations (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP0689002A2 (en) * | 1994-05-31 | 1995-12-27 | Nippondenso Co., Ltd. | Illuminating device for vehicles |
Family Cites Families (11)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE2617095A1 (en) * | 1976-04-17 | 1977-11-03 | Friedrich Dipl Phys Bodem | Optimum coupling of photoconductors - uses heat insensitive terminal for connection to high output thermal light sources |
| US5133027A (en) * | 1990-05-16 | 1992-07-21 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Optical waveguide apparatus for controlling a signal light traveling through an optical waveguide by means of other light |
| US5099399A (en) * | 1991-04-08 | 1992-03-24 | Miller Jack V | High efficiency fiber optics illuminator with thermally controlled light guide bushing |
| FR2730038B1 (en) * | 1995-01-27 | 1997-04-18 | Fort Fibres Optiques | OPTICAL SYSTEM INCLUDING A REFLECTOR LAMP |
| DE19515031A1 (en) * | 1995-04-24 | 1996-10-31 | Siemens Ag | Fibre=optic illumination device with cooling system |
| US5761356A (en) * | 1996-08-19 | 1998-06-02 | Cogent Light Technologies, Inc. | Apparatus and method for coupling high intensity light into low temperature optical fiber |
| DE10252228B4 (en) * | 2002-02-05 | 2010-01-14 | Automotive Lighting Reutlingen Gmbh | Headlamps, in particular for motor vehicles |
| DE10204481B4 (en) * | 2002-02-05 | 2009-06-18 | Automotive Lighting Reutlingen Gmbh | Headlamps, in particular for motor vehicles |
| DE10258481B4 (en) * | 2002-12-10 | 2009-01-29 | Lokys, Heinz-Jürgen, Dipl.-Ing. | Fiber optic illumination system and method for its manufacture |
| AT413751B (en) * | 2003-09-30 | 2006-05-15 | Zizala Lichtsysteme Gmbh | LIGHT RING ARRANGEMENT |
| JP2008505437A (en) * | 2004-06-30 | 2008-02-21 | コーニンクレッカ フィリップス エレクトロニクス エヌ ヴィ | Light system for vehicle headlight unit |
-
2006
- 2006-07-28 DE DE200610034972 patent/DE102006034972A1/en not_active Withdrawn
-
2007
- 2007-06-16 EP EP07785827A patent/EP2047307B1/en active Active
- 2007-06-16 WO PCT/EP2007/005324 patent/WO2008011938A1/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP0689002A2 (en) * | 1994-05-31 | 1995-12-27 | Nippondenso Co., Ltd. | Illuminating device for vehicles |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP2047307A1 (en) | 2009-04-15 |
| WO2008011938A1 (en) | 2008-01-31 |
| DE102006034972A1 (en) | 2008-01-31 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| EP2047307B1 (en) | Optical fiber system | |
| DE2614051C2 (en) | Fiber optic T-coupler | |
| EP2954255B1 (en) | Headlight assembly comprising light-conducting rods for a headlight | |
| DE102011112321B3 (en) | Lighting device for generating a light strip and motor vehicles | |
| EP2074935B1 (en) | Illumination device for producing light for endoscopy or microscopy | |
| EP3010741B1 (en) | Arrangement for closing an opening in a vehicle with a pane and a light-guiding sheet | |
| AT518118B1 (en) | Lighting unit for a motor vehicle | |
| EP3407772B1 (en) | Illuminating device | |
| DE102004047653B4 (en) | Light ring arrangement | |
| EP2857740A1 (en) | Motor vehicle lighting device | |
| CH697509B1 (en) | Laser welding device, consisting of a light conductor or an optical waveguide with an optical funnel. | |
| EP2284583B1 (en) | Lighting device for a motor vehicle | |
| DE102013207841A1 (en) | lighting device | |
| DE102022110747B3 (en) | LIGHTING UNIT, VEHICLE COMPONENT AND VEHICLE | |
| DE3828814A1 (en) | METHOD FOR CHANGING THE SPECK DIAMETER OF MONOMODE STAGE FIBERS AND MONOMODE FIBER COUPLING UNIT PRODUCED THEREOF | |
| EP2057373B1 (en) | Ignition device for an internal combustion engine | |
| DE102007024014A1 (en) | Illumination apparatus e.g. reading lamp, for use as reading light in aircraft, has light-guiding element axially displaceably arranged in such manner that free-radiation region is provided between light source and light input surface | |
| DE102012101455A1 (en) | Coupling device for light of two light sources on common printed circuit board in light guide of light guide device, has coupling surfaces arranged such that printed circuit board is arranged with light sources at coupling surfaces | |
| DE102012213547B4 (en) | Lighting device for a motor vehicle | |
| EP2352044B1 (en) | Assembly for emitting light | |
| EP2018583B1 (en) | Plug connector for an optical fibre with devuce for compensation of elongations of an optical fibre | |
| DE60217861T2 (en) | Optical communication device between electronic assemblies | |
| DE112014004183T5 (en) | Optocoupler for vehicle lighting systems | |
| EP2852248B1 (en) | Device and method for pot detection | |
| DE102010017978A1 (en) | Leaky wave antenna i.e. mechanically hinged antenna, for use in radar system of motor car for sensing environment, has terminator made of material with radar-transparent properties and formed with radar-absorbing component |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
| 17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 20081114 |
|
| AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A1 Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MT NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR |
|
| AX | Request for extension of the european patent |
Extension state: AL BA HR MK RS |
|
| DAX | Request for extension of the european patent (deleted) | ||
| RBV | Designated contracting states (corrected) |
Designated state(s): DE FR GB |
|
| 17Q | First examination report despatched |
Effective date: 20091026 |
|
| GRAP | Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1 |
|
| GRAS | Grant fee paid |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3 |
|
| GRAA | (expected) grant |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210 |
|
| AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: B1 Designated state(s): DE FR GB |
|
| REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: GB Ref legal event code: FG4D Free format text: NOT ENGLISH |
|
| REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R096 Ref document number: 502007008773 Country of ref document: DE Effective date: 20120209 |
|
| PLBE | No opposition filed within time limit |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261 |
|
| STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT |
|
| 26N | No opposition filed |
Effective date: 20120831 |
|
| REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R097 Ref document number: 502007008773 Country of ref document: DE Effective date: 20120831 |
|
| REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: FR Ref legal event code: PLFP Year of fee payment: 10 |
|
| REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: FR Ref legal event code: PLFP Year of fee payment: 11 |
|
| REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: FR Ref legal event code: PLFP Year of fee payment: 12 |
|
| P01 | Opt-out of the competence of the unified patent court (upc) registered |
Effective date: 20230502 |
|
| PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: GB Payment date: 20240620 Year of fee payment: 18 |
|
| PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: DE Payment date: 20240605 Year of fee payment: 18 |
|
| PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: FR Payment date: 20240624 Year of fee payment: 18 |